Mental Health Partners’ Statement on the Ontario Ombudsman’s November 2025 Report – Lost in Transition

Mental Health Partners (MHP) welcomes the Ontario Ombudsman’s November 2025 report, Lost in Transition, which shines a light on the systemic barriers that leave adults with developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses (developmental disabilities alongside mental health challenges) “stuck” in hospital beds long after their medical needs have ended. The report’s recommendations affirm the urgent need for coordinated planning, expanded housing, and stronger collaboration across health and developmental services — priorities we are deeply committed to advancing.

As a collective with presence across all Ontario Health regions, MHP is ready to be at the table, working through joint forums to drive systemic change. Our hospitals bring deep expertise in dual diagnosis services, strong relationships with the community mental health sector, and partnerships in supportive housing in both the mental health and developmental sectors.

Many of our members contributed to the Dual Diagnosis Alternate Level of Care Project, and we are committed to building on those lessons learned to improve transitions and outcomes.

Recently, MHP was at Queen’s Park advocating for expanded supportive housing for individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders, with particular attention to those designated Alternate Level of Care and living with dual diagnosis. We know that without adequate housing and coordinated mental health and developmental supports, too many remain “lost in transition”.

We also recognize that forensic patients with dual diagnosis face the most severe inequities. With the majority of our hospitals serving forensic populations, we are uniquely positioned to help address these challenges and ensure that reforms reach those most at risk.

MHP stand ready to support training, education, and partnership building. Bringing our hospitals together means we can share knowledge and successes more quickly —extending that collaboration to partners in the developmental sector and community mental health to drive meaningful improvements. We are ready to do our part supporting the mental health sector to ensure that vulnerable Ontarians are supported in appropriate homes, not left behind in hospitals.